Vanguard Hi Has New Four-Speed Gearbox

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28671, 22 August 1958, Page 15

Vanguard Hi Has New Four-Speed Gearbox

QINCE the roafa test of the Standard Vanguard 111 de luxe saloon a few months ago, the Standard Motor Company now offer this model with a fourspeed gearbox. Basically, the car remains the same, although the opportunity has been taken to make some other uninor alteration?. Regrettably, they are not all particularly praiseworthy. The main interior light has now been shifted from the central offside door pillar to a position in the middle of, and above, the top rail of the windscreen. Here it provides some excellent illumination for the driver and front-seat passenger, but is not much use to those - in the back. Pile carpeting now covers the entire floor, replacing the rubber mats previously used for the front compartment. Faults

Two faults remain and one is much worse. The small size of the rear view mirror is ridiculous, especially in view of the large rear window. „The other is the glove box, which needs a key to open or close. This has always been a source of annoyance, particularly if some of the contents were needed when the car was moving. In the past, however, it was possible to Unlock the lid—now the ignition key unlocks it. Unless a spare key is carried, the car must now be stopped and the engine switched off. The fact that the ignition key is used to*lock the cubbyhole, luggage boot and both front doors, removes all the security for personal possessions which the Vanguard previously offered. Although these criticisms must

be made, there is nothing but praise for the new gearbox. This really makes the Vanguard an outstanding car and a real pleasure for the enthusiast to drive. The gearbox is the fourspeed box used in the Triumph TR3, and one that has been well proven. A floor-mounted lever operates directly into the box, it is pleasant to use-and permits very rapid changes when desired. Gear Ratios

The smoothness of the change is very good and the choice of ratios admirable for the car. The test car had this set of gears supplemented by a Laycock-de Normanville overdrive unit which functioned on third and top gears. The driver who hustles a car will undoubtedly appreciate the choice of four gears in the speed range between approximately 60 miles an hour and the car’s maximum. As the overdrive is almost the same ratio as direct top, the driver .has less hard work when motoring fast on a winding road, as the flicking of a conveniently placed switch brings about the change between third and overdrive third.

Another improvement which enhances the handling of the car is the lighter steering. It is still only moderately light, but means less effort when at parking

speeds. Although the engine is still the familiar 2088 c.c. four-cylinder, overhead valve Vanguard unit, its liveliness remains the same if not slightly better. However, if the best is to be obtained from the power unit, first gear starting is essential. The car will not object to pulling away in second but is decidedly sluggish. A much better comparison would have been possible between the two models had the test car been really loosened up, but it had

covered less than 2000 miles. Allowance should be made for this fact when studying the performance data. Optional The .company is supplying this TR gearbox as optional equipment, but at no extra charge. The Vanguard previously tested, with three-speed gearbox and column mounted gear lever, will continue to be available. The four-speed gearbox makes a w,orld of difference and has un-

doubtedly made the Vanguard into a very fine car and broadened its appeal.—(Central Press. All Rights Reserved.)'